New antimicrobials targeting L,D-transpeptidases, non-classical cysteine peptidases, have been developed and their unique chemical structures identified. Carbapenems and penems of the present invention are unique among -lactams as they acylate and inhibit L,D-transpeptidases, which likely results in their superior antimicrobial potency. These new antimicrobial agents can be used alone, or in combination with other classic antimicrobial agents that target D,D transpeptidases, when treating bacterial infections.

New antimicrobials targeting L,D-transpeptidases, non-classical cysteine peptidases, have been developed and their unique chemical structures identified. Carbapenems and penems of the present invention are unique among -lactams as they acylate and inhibit L,D-transpeptidases, which likely results in their superior antimicrobial potency. These new antimicrobial agents can be used alone, or in combination with other classic antimicrobial agents that target D,D transpeptidases, when treating bacterial infections.

New antimicrobials targeting L,D-transpeptidases, non-classical cysteine peptidases, have been developed and their unique chemical structures identified. Carbapenems and penems of the present invention are unique among -lactams as they acylate and inhibit L,D-transpeptidases, which likely results in their superior antimicrobial potency. These new antimicrobial agents can be used alone, or in combination with other classic antimicrobial agents that target D,D transpeptidases, when treating bacterial infections.